APC, PDP, ZLP trade tackles over romance with Oyo REC, electoral officers

Allegations and counter allegations of romance with electoral officers and the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo state was central in the remarks of representatives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at a stakeholders meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday.

At the event held at INEC state office, Ibadan, state Secretary of Oyo APC, Mr Mojeed Olaoya had thrown the first shot alleging that the state REC, Mr Mutiu Agboke had directed his electoral officers in Ibarapa north and Ibarapa Central to ensure the success of the PDP at the polls.

Olaoya had further said that the REC gave the order to his electoral officers because one Ajibola Muraina, who is a former member representing Ibarapa Central/North federal constituency, was his colleague at law school.

However, coordinator, Atiku Presidential Campaign Council in the state, Dr Nureni Adeniran described the allegation as frivolous and evidence that the APC in the state feared its imminent defeat at the polls.

Adeniran ruled out any romance with the PDP, noting that it relied heavily on the votes of residents of Oyo state.

He said the PDP solely was positive that it had generated enough goodwill and will win the forthcoming elections in the state as long as it is free and fair.

Speaking, state secretary of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), Mr Bimbo Adepoju urged the APC to substantiate its allegation and not be frivolous.

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He said the party also monitored and was not aware of any electoral officer in Ibarapa zone that had compromised a credible electoral process, as alleged.

Responding, Oyo REC, Agboke, said he did not know of any Muraina who was his colleague at law school, neither was any of the candidates across the state his colleague.

He further vouched for his electoral officers as credible, noting that allegations should not be based on hearsays but evidence.

While assuring that the commission constantly monitored and reprimanded erring electoral officers, Agboke tasked the APC to substantiate its allegations.

He said he accorded all political parties open and equal access to him, without undue favour for one party over the other.

He assured that the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remained the tool for anyone to emerge victorious in the forthcoming elections.